CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/25/09 -- Veterans Affairs Canada joined the Canadian Football League today, for the Grey Cup Community Veterans' Visitation that brought the Grey Cup to Veterans at the Carewest Colonel Belcher Centre. CFL alumni Ezzrett "Sugarfoot" Anderson, John Helton and Leo Ezerins and players Ben Archibald and Joffrey Reynolds were also on hand to visit with Veterans.

"The Canadian Football League's 2009 Tribute to Veterans seeks to honour our Canadian Veterans, through a stunning program," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "This year, the CFL Tribute to Veterans will have reached tens of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers-what a great way to let our Veterans know we cherish the freedom they fought for and are thankful for the sacrifices they made."

The event included the ceremonial arrival of the Grey Cup with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police escort. CFL players and alumni presented signed CFL footballs to Veterans residing in the Centre. Participants also toured the Centre to visit resident Veterans unable to attend the event.

"The Grey Cup has been in the company of many Canadian football heroes, but today it was welcomed by the truest Canadian heroes of them all, men and women who have served our country with incredible courage and selfless devotion," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. "On behalf of our league, I want to thank them, not only for hosting us with such warmth and grace today, but for making us proud, always."